GALLERY WALLS: YOUR AT-HOME MUSEUM

If you are thinking of bringing life, personality, and creativity to your walls, consider designing a gallery wall. The world of gallery walls is a trend that has taken the decor industry by storm. Gallery walls are not just a collection of random frames hanging on your wall; they are an artful arrangement of cherished memories, inspiring artwork, and personal touches that transform any space into a captivating visual story.

What makes gallery walls so unique? They can infuse character and depth into any room. Whether you're aiming for a modern minimalist aesthetic or prefer eclectic bohemian vibes, there's no limit to the possibilities when it comes to creating your gallery wall. It's like having your art exhibition right in the comfort of your home.

What are they and how they started?

Imagine entering a room and being greeted by an inspiring display of photographs, paintings, prints, and other treasured memories adorning the walls. Each piece is carefully curated and strategically placed to create a harmonious symphony of colors, textures, and themes. This is the essence of a gallery wall an exquisite masterpiece that reflects your unique style and passions.

The history and origins of gallery walls can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where artwork was displayed similarly to showcase the wealth and status of individuals or families. As we understand, gallery walls were first seen in France in the 1600s when they were called salon walls. Salons democratized art by ditching the old elite way of hanging a precious few pieces and instead filling entire floor-to-ceiling walls with works, primarily by emergent artists. In the 20th century, the walls of public galleries offered more opportunities to appreciate the wonder, but it still seemed that only the elite held exhibitions in private homes. But in 1967 a newspaper article titled “Gallery Wall Good Way to Display Pictures” offered everyday homeowners, not just serious art collectors, tips on how to curate framed pieces. By the 80s and 90s, the gallery walls were filled with family photos. Most recently, in 2013 another article “Salon Walls Tell a Story,” was telling homeowners to hang "personal treasures" on the walls.

How to design my gallery wall?

Gallery walls offer endless opportunities for self-expression. They can showcase your travels with framed maps or vintage postcards from around the world. They can display family portraits capturing precious moments frozen in time or feature inspirational quotes that motivate you daily. Beauty lies in the freedom to mix and match different sizes, shapes, frames, and subjects until you achieve a visually stunning composition that speaks volumes about who you are. Although what makes a gallery wall special is the diversity of its content, we must incorporate specific elements and characteristics to have a smooth conduction that allows us to enjoy all the content.

Commit to a style

When we talk about committing to a style we don't talk about the art, Choosing the right frame for your photo gallery wall is as important as the content itself and would depend on the style of your space. By using frames in different sizes and shapes, you can create a more exciting and versatile photo wall in the living room, or as a stylish decoration above the bed. Keep the frame and color palette consistent with your gallery walls for a sophisticated vibe.

Mixed techniques

By incorporating various techniques such as painting, photography, and printmaking, you can add depth and visual interest to your gallery wall. Mixing different mediums adds texture and allows you to incorporate a range of colors and styles. Remember, the key is to strike a balance between cohesion and diversity. While it's important for the pieces on your gallery wall to complement each other visually, incorporating diverse techniques adds an element of surprise and intrigue.

Gallery wall layout

It takes some planning to achieve the best gallery wall layout. The first thing to consider should be the space where you want to display your gallery, the wall size, and shape will determine some possible layouts. Always try to keep harmony between the shapes and sizes of both to generate a sophisticated space. Don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes and orientations when arranging your artwork. Combining larger statement pieces with smaller prints or photographs allows you to create a dynamic composition that draws attention and creates a focal point in any room.

How to start, tips and tricks

When planning a gallery wall, we like to place picture frames on the floor to get an idea of ​​wall placement and spacing. Start with the largest piece in the middle and add more pieces around it. Pay attention to the balance of materials, colors, and visual flow from one section to the next. Then create visual interest by designing gallery wall layouts that vary in size from large to small. Also, consider changing the position of the frame - vertical or horizontal.

Another technique when designing a gallery wall configuration is to use paper to draw an arrangement of frames on the wall. Draw all the frames on a large piece of brown paper, cut it out, and stick it on the wall. You can easily move them around until you have the desired balance, then use the paper template as a guide for placing the nails and hanging pieces. We recommend placing the art wall at eye level, about 1.5 meters from the ground. If you have high ceilings, you can arrange the gallery walls higher.

Here are some of our rules of thumb:

1. Don’t ever hang anything on your wall that isn’t meaningful to you, Keep in mind that significant doesn’t have to mean fine art.

2. When hanging a photo wall, remember that large picture frames look good with a little more breathing room, while small photo frames tend to look best when grouped more closely together.

3. Find symmetry and balance even on the “messy layouts” Draw an imaginary line in the middle of your composition this can be vertically, horizontally, or even diagonally, and make sure that whatever happens on one side happens in a similar way on the other side.
   

Gallery walls are more than decor, they not only add visual interest and personality to any space, but they also serve as conversation starters. Guests will be drawn towards these stunning displays like magnets - eager to learn more about each piece's story or share their experiences related to similar artwork or photographs. So whether you're looking for an eye-catching focal point in your living room or a creative way to liven up a dull hallway, gallery walls are the answer. They offer an opportunity to showcase your individuality, ignite your creativity, and transform your walls into a gallery of memories and inspiration.